Frank Lopez Diaz

Frank Lopez Diaz, of Beaumont, California passed away on Thursday, September 28, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones, at Loma Linda University Medical Center, from cancer. He was 77 years old. Frank was born to Calixto Avalos Diaz and Pasquala Lopez Diaz on March 9, 1946 in Ruiz Nayarit, Nayarit Mexico. He became a U.S citizen at the age of 14. Frank resided at the St. Boniface School for Native American Children, where he met and formed a very special and life-long brotherhood with Robert “Boy” Saubel and Ray Patencio. Frank graduated from Banning High School and immediately joined the U.S. Marine Corp at age 17. He was a Vietnam Veteran. Frank was a member of the Local American Legion, Post 428 where he enjoyed spending time at and took pride in doing the bar b-q’ing for their fundraising events.

Frank was a lifelong resident of Beaumont. He was a self-employed roofer and general contractor for more than 40 years. In his younger years he worked for both the City of Banning and the City of Palm Springs. He was also an auto mechanic. Frank was a member of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church in Banning. He was very strong in his faith.

Frank met Frances Cardoza, while in high school. They married in July 1966 and had 5 children: Frank Jr., Doreen, Robert, Raymond and Orlando. Even though their marriage ended, Frank and Frances remained very close and had a very loving and endearing friendship lasting up to Frances’s death on December 7, 2016.

Frank met Anita Morgan, when he lived, briefly, in Cathedral City. She became his lifelong partner of almost 50 years. They had a very loving and committed relationship. They were inseparable. Where you saw one, the other was not far behind. They completed each other and made each other whole. They were one. Frank cherished Anita and loved her dearly. They were best friends and shared a very deep and loving bond that brought them many fun-filled adventures and beautiful and loving memories. Frank and Anita had 2 daughters: Timmy and Desiree.

Frank enjoyed the outdoors and all that it had to offer, ie: fishing, camping, swimming., and overall soaking in the beauty of it all. He also enjoyed cruising in his car while listening to music. It was not uncommon for him, at any given moment, to take a cruise to visit family in Pomona and or in Yuma, Arizona. He did this often. He also enjoyed dancing and was known to pull-over, when cruising, to dance in the street when he heard a song that he liked on the radio or on his 8-track tape. He was also known to be a prankster, especially in his younger years. He was an avid reader, especially of Stephen King, Luis L’ Amour, and comic books.

Frank was a very social person who lived a full and eventful life. He enjoyed having fun at every opportunity. He especially loved being surrounded by his family and friends and attending family celebrations, “get togethers”, and holidays. He enjoyed bar b-q’ing for family and friends and was known to invite the local homeless so that they could get a good meal for the day. He greeted everyone with his big beautiful smile, hugs and kisses. He had a way of making everyone feel loved and special.

Dad had a huge heart. He would, without hesitation, give his last dollar and literally the shirt off his back to anyone who was in need. He loved Anita, his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, family and his friends dearly. He was “Dad” and “Grandpa” to our dearest friends and their children as well “Grandpa” to our own children's’ friends. He will be greatly missed by all of us but, he will live on in our hearts, dreams and memories forever. We love you dad.

Frank is preceded in death by his son, Frank Lopez Diaz Jr.; ex-wife and dear friend, Frances C. Diaz; parents, Calixto and Pasquala Diaz; and sisters, Maria Cruz Figueroa and Modesta Figueroa.

Franks is survived by life-long partner, Anita of Beaumont; daughter, Doreen (Lorenzo) of Banning; son, Robert (Stacie) of Banning; son, Raymond of Beaumont; son, Orlando (Mary) of Crawfordville, Florida; daughter, Timmy of Hemet; daughter, Desiree (Eddie) of Yucaipa; Sisters, Fermina Figueroa Solis and Amparo Figueroa Aguayo; brother, Pedro Figueroa; 10 grandchildren: Shannea, Lorenzo, Anastasia, Robert Jr., Dakota, She’Rae, Orlando Jr., De’Anna, Christian, and Silas; 15 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly; and many, many friends especially Steve Thomas, who was dad’s right hand man and partner in crime; Cliff Jackson, Clay Runnels, Jesse Gutierrez, Tony Velasquez aka “Compa Tony”, and Eugene Tales, who preceded Frank in death. Thank you all for always being such good friends to our dad. He loved each and every one of you very much and cherished your friendships.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 from 4pm-7pm at Weaver Mortuary in Beaumont. Rosary will be held at 6pm.

Mass will be held on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at 11am at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church in Banning. Burial will immediately follow the Mass at San Gorgonio Memorial Cemetery in Banning on San Gorgonio Ave.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.weaver-mortuary.com for the Diaz family.